The Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC) skills assessments and qualification examinations verify that a student has attained the necessary knowledge and skills for entry into the legal profession.
Students are required to complete four skills assessments. The passing mark is 70 per cent for each assessment. A student may not receive any assistance whatsoever in completing skills assessments or examinations.
Assessments
Advocacy
You will prepare and present a written outline and oral argument for a contested chambers application for a civil dispute in the Supreme Court.
The Chambers application is observed by an instructor playing the role of judge and is recorded in case further review is necessary.
Writing
For this written assessment, you answer a series of questions, relating to writing an opinion letter to a client, based on written instructions distributed to you.
You must know the relevant law and procedure in order to give an opinion competently. However, you generally do not need to do extensive legal research beyond the PLTC course materials to complete the writing assessment.
Drafting
For this written assessment, you answer a series of questions, relating to drafting a contract for your client, based on written instructions distributed to you.
You generally do not need to do legal research beyond the PLTC course materials to complete the drafting assessment.
Interviewing
You must interview and advise a new client. A student acting as the lawyer has 45 minutes to interview an actor playing the role of a client. The interview is observed by an instructor and is recorded in case further review is necessary.
How to prepare for skills assessments
PLTC course work prepares you for what is expected in the assessments and helps you build your skills to be entry-level competent in each of them. Before you are assessed on any skill, you will have opportunities to practice the required skills through assignments, exercises, and in-class activities, and to receive feedback from instructors and classmates.
The best way for you to prepare for the assessments is to practise these skills during the many opportunities offered in the course.